Eric Johnson has been cast in the title role of SCI FI Channel’s newest original action-adventure series, “Flash Gordon.” Produced by Reunion Pictures, this modern day retelling of the classic comic strip franchise will begin production in May with an eye toward an August 2007 premiere. RHI Entertainment will be distributing the series internationally.

Placing a 21st century spin on a science fiction classic, SCI FI’s contemporized version of “Flash Gordon” follows the all-new adventures of Flash (Johnson) and his companions, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov. Ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, they find themselves as Earth’s last line of defense against the forces of the merciless dictator Ming.

The first two episodes of “Flash Gordon” are being written by Peter Hume (“Charmed,” Cruel Intentions II) and directed by Rick Rosenthal. Additional casting is currently underway.

Under an agreement with property owner King Features Syndicate, the new series is being produced by Matthew O’Connor and Tom Rowe. RHI’s Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr. (“Tin Man,” Mitch Albom’s “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” “The Ten Commandments”), who previously produced SCI FI’s popular miniseries event “Legend of Earthsea,” will serve as Executive Producers on the series.

Canadian actor Eric Johnson is most recognized for his role as Whitney Fordman on “Smallville,” a character he portrayed for three years (2001-2004). His career began over a decade ago, when he landed the role of “teen Tristan,” the younger counterpart to Brad Pitt in the film Legends of the Fall.